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THIS WEEK BOOKS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 15 DECEMBER 2019 4 Born in Malta but based in Canada, the author and academic John P. Portelli speaks to TEODOR RELJIC about his latest short collection, L-Ittra ta' Osama, which focuses on marginalised lives in a neoliberal world How would you describe your career trajectory as a published author, and how would you say L-Ittra ta' Osama fits into all of that? I started writing poetry and essays when I was 16 years old. As a pre-uni- versity student I had won first prize for an essay competition organized by Għaqda tal-Malti Universita'. Be- tween 1972 (when I started univer- sity) and 2001 I continued to engage in academic writing and poetry, the latter of which was only published in my first collection Bejn Zewg Din- jiet/In Between, other than the odd publication in poetry collections and newspapers. I have in total published 11 aca- demic books in English the most re- cent one earlier this year in which I critique neoliberalism in educational policy and leadership. Since 2001, I published three other poetry collec- tions (two in Maltese with English translations, the other in English with French translations). Five years ago, when I turned 60, I came to the realisation and very strong conviction that literary work is more conducive to bringing about social justice and equity change. Hence, I have tripled my efforts to write literary works including a col- lection of short stories, Inkontri ta' Kuljum (Horizons, 2018), which is now available in English as Every- day Encounters (Word and Deed, Toronto, 2019 though available in Malta from Horizons), a novel, Kul- hadd barra Fajza (Horizons, 2018, and shortlisted for this year's literary prize in Malta), and finally, L-Ittra ta' Osama (Horizons, 2019). So, in brief, my latest collection fits within the latter perspective I have developed. Also, in my view, it con- tinues to develop several themes that arise in the earlier collection and the novel: a mixture of critical existen- tialism, anti-colonialism, and social justice and equity perspectives and issues. In all of these writings the theme of the struggle of the migrant is very prominent. In my view, writ- ing of this kind is a form of activism. Generally speaking, L-Ittra ta' Osama is dedicated to zoomed-in vignettes of individuals in particular social circumstances, mainly to do with the challenges that migrants of varying ethnicities and social strata face when trying to live their lives in new communities. What led you to decide on this particular focus, and what kind of reader reaction are you hoping for, or expecting? I agree that the collection focuses on social circumstances including sev- eral stories that deal with challenges that migrants face. In this regard, my personal concern is with racism that I have observed both in Canada and elsewhere, including Malta, which I have visited frequently in the last decade. Some of the stories also deal with issues of social class, sexuality and homophobia, psychological vio- lence especially as it arises in educa- tional institutions. My philosophical thinking, as exhib- ited in my academic writings, have al- ways been strongly inclined towards the left. I consider myself to be a critical pedagogue with a strong in- terest in anticolonialism, the critique of classical liberalism and neoliberal- ism, and social justice and equity. I do not have an academic persona and a literary persona. I am one person with different identities.But still one person. Hence, my thinking and be- liefs are bound to influence my liter- ary writings. I do not believe that the aim of liter- ary writings is to moralise or preach. Literary works are not texts in politi- cal theory or social theory or philo- sophical theory, although they may exhibit strong elements of either. But I believe it is intrinsically important as part of the bigger project of un- derstanding the complexities of the human condition, that literary works need to deal with hot political and social issues and concerns. My aim is to create meaningful discussion and conversations that may bring about a better awareness of the human condition and then hopefully act ac- cordingly. Of course, I also hope that reading literary work will bring about enjoyment. The situations you describe are also quite specific. Were you inspired by particular events you've experienced/ witnessed, and people you yourself have met? Some situations I experienced my- self, some were experienced by oth- ers, and some are completely imagi- nary. However, even in those stories based on a situation or incident I have experienced, the entire story takes a completely imaginary narra- tive of its own. But in most cases the starting point was something I expe- rienced or others experienced. Mix- ing the two elements is something I find very exciting. Many times, I start a story not even knowing where it will take me. I like to surprise myself. Of course, the subconscious is inevi- tably always at play. How does it feel to be a Maltese- language author who is based in Canada? I feel like a privileged nomad. I left the Island in 1977 partly for politi- cal reasons and partly because of the Teodor Reljic "Many times, I start a story not even knowing where it will take me. I like to surprise myself" Writing as a form of activism